THE LOSS OF a pet can be devastating, especially for older people who live alone.

Nancy Saxton-Lopez, a therapist and coauthor of The Pet Loss Companion, says many of her clients are embarrassed by the depth of their pain. “They go, ‘I grieve more for this animal than I did my mother, my father, my spouse.’ ”

The good news is that help is available.

Support groups: Eric Richman, a licensed independent clinical social worker at Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, runs a free, monthly virtual group. Lap of Love (lapoflove.com) and the Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (aplb.org) also have online groups.

Helplines: Call Cornell University (607-218-7457), the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (630-325-1600) or, during the academic year, Tufts (508-839-7966).

Media: Saxton-Lopez has a Pet Loss Companion podcast. Or try E.B. Bartels’ book Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter or David Kessler’s website grief.com.

Volunteer: Stay connected to animals by helping at a shelter or fostering a pet. —Amy Carlson Gustafson